Delhi's air pollution surge forces CJI DY Chandrachud to quit morning walks in fear of respiratory issues

As October arrives, it brings with it the same familiar story in Delhi: cooler temperatures, rising pollution, and a flurry of political finger-pointing. This time, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has weighed in on the issue at a personal level, revealing that he has given up his morning walks due to the deteriorating air quality.

Delhi's seasonal pollution surge is affecting the daily routine of Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud.

Speaking informally to reporters at the Supreme Court on Thursday, he shared that he has stopped his early morning walks due to worsening air quality.

"I have stopped going for morning walks from today. I usually go for a walk around 4 am to 4.15 am," he said.

The Chief Justice further mentioned that his doctor advised staying indoors during the mornings to minimise exposure to pollutants and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.

Air quality in Delhi-NCR: Current status

The air quality in Delhi has remained in the "very poor" category for much of the week, with the city recording the worst levels in the country on Wednesday.

This deterioration persists despite the implementation of stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a strict 11-point anti-pollution measure aimed at improving air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that Delhi's air is likely to stay at the 'very poor' level until Saturday, citing unfavorable meteorological conditions, including calm nighttime winds that hinder pollutant dispersion.

Protect yourself from Delhi pollution: Practical tips

If you reside in Delhi NCR, it's advisable to avoid outdoor exercise, just like CJI Chandrachud, due to the harmful pollution levels.

Credit: staticflickr

To reduce the impact of smog and protect your health, here are additional steps you may consider taking:

• Wear N95 masks outdoors: If you must go outside, using an N95 mask can help filter out particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.
• Include anti-pollution foods in your diet: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, may help combat the effects of pollution on the body. Foods like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and nuts, along with citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, provide valuable protection by supporting detoxification and strengthening the immune system.
• Avoid high-traffic areas: Stay away from areas with heavy traffic, where pollution levels tend to be higher.
• Use air purifiers indoors: If possible, invest in air purifiers, especially for bedrooms and living spaces, to reduce indoor pollution levels.

These steps can help protect you from the harmful effects of Delhi's smog while efforts continue to improve the city¡¯s air quality.

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